An Israeli model and actress, who had a six-year affair with Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, has asked Tony Blair to help secure the former dictator's son release from a jail in Libya.

Orly Weinerman, 41, had an intimate relationship with Colonel Gaddafi's son from 2005 to 2011, according to the Times of Israel.

Ms Weinerman reportedly said: “Killing [Saif] will achieve absolutely nothing, beyond punishing him for who his father was. Absolutely everything must be done to save him.”

The model has asked the former British prime minister to use his political influence to free Gaddafi, who is on trial in Libya for his alleged role in killing protesters during last year’s civil uprising.

Gaddafi, 40, is said to have been held by rebel forces since November last year and is due to go on trial later this month.